All About Ice Cream Makers

Ice cream makers enable you to enjoy delicious, homemade ice cream at any time

Adding an ice cream maker to your collection of kitchen appliances isn't something you likely will regret. Ice cream makers allow you to create a variety of delicious desserts in just a matter of minutes.

To find an ice cream maker that will meet your needs, begin by considering what features are available and determine which ones you need.

Featuring

Here are some features to consider as you begin your search for an ice cream maker.

Size: Ice cream makers come in a number of different sizes. Think about how much ice cream you would need to serve your family as well as how much space you have in your kitchen. For larger families or parties and gatherings, a five-gallon ice cream maker might be ideal, but storage could be an issue if you don't have a lot of counter or cabinet space.

Electric motors: Ice cream makers that feature electric motors are typically the easiest to use. However, some people prefer using the ones with the crank handles. If you aren't sure, you could look for ice cream makers that have both options.

There also are ice cream makers available that don't use either a motor or crank handle. Instead, they are designed to be rolled or shaken. These are more popular among children, who enjoy the hands-on aspect.

Speed: The length of time it takes to make ice cream also should be factored into your decision. Obviously, the amount of ice cream you are making will impact the speed, but most ice cream makers can give you a general idea of how long it will take to make a batch.

Clean-up: Things can get a little messy when you use ice cream makers. Look for ice cream makers that are dishwasher-safe for quicker and easier clean-ups.

Other considerations

There are some other factors you might want to think about as you make a selection. While these don't necessarily affect the performance of the ice cream maker, they might make the experience more enjoyable and convenient, and are definitely items that are worth asking about.

Does the ice cream maker require adding ice or salt?

Is there a built-in freezer that will freeze the batch as you make it?

Are any ice cream maker recipes included with it?

Prices may vary

The price of ice cream makers varies greatly based on its features. The very simple ones usually start around $30. The larger ones that are equipped with electric motors cost significantly more. For example, a Cuisinart ice cream maker that has a built-in freezer and makes a quart in less than an hour costs approximately $250.

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